Family Attractions

There are so many family attractions in the Charente Maritime that the problem is finding time to visit all of them. There is the choice of the Zoo, Aquarium, Theme parks, Historical sites.

Visit the Zoo at La PalmyreRight in the heart of one of the most beautiful pine forests in the area just north of Royan just 35 mins drive away, you will find La Palmyre Zoo. The most famous zoological park in France and recently voted European Zoo of the Year. The most visited tourist attraction in the department of Charente-Maritime. And, as a breeding zoo it is very different from most people’s idea of a zoo as many animals are completely free to roam – and there are more than 1600 of them!

You will meet apes, bears, cockatoos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippotamuses, jaguars, lions, panthers, parrots, pink flamingos, red ibis and even wolves. There is a polar bear basin a tropical greenhouse and a reptile house. There shows with trained parrots and sea lions are great for the kids

The Aquarium La Rochelle

Located in the heart of town, next to the old harbour and the famous towers of La Rochelle, discover one of the main european private aquariums. Take a two hour’s journey into the depths of the oceans and meet 12 000 Atlantic, Mediterranean and Tropical animals in 3 million litres of water. Explore the magical and mysterious underwater world that keeps fascinating us.

FuturoscopeBel-Air is approx. 1hr 50 mins from Futuroscope but it is well worth a visit. It is open from 10am and closes at 11 pm.The Futuroscope amusement park is located near Poitiers and set in 130 acres. It uses audio-visual technology to create both breathtaking and informative special effects. Giant screens, 3D cinemas, circular cinemas and other state-of-the-art techniques create an experience unlike any other.

The park has splendid buildings with futuristic architecture and also relaxing green parks surrounding each of the pavilions. Both children and adults will enjoy Futuroscope but allow plenty of time to see all the exhibits.

Meet The Owners

A very warm Irish welcome awaits you at Bel -Air gites. Bel - Air has been a favourite with holiday makers for many years. In 2010 we decided it was time to escape from the rat-race to 'live our dream' in the Charente Maritime . We took over the well established child and toddler friendly Bel Air gites at the beginning of the summer season in July 2010. One season here in Bel - Air was enough to convince us that we had made the right decision to change our life style and move to this beautiful part of France.

About Bel Air Gites

The Bel-Air complex offers four individual gîtes (holiday cottages) and a larger farmhouse. Each sleeps between 4 and 6 guests and is decorated in a traditional French provincial style, always with your comfort in mind. Original stone walls keep the heat of the summer months at bay.
All the cottages are comfortable, amply furnished and well equipped, including UK and French TV channels. Plus Wifi is available at no extra cost. You’ll want for nothing!
Each cottage has a private patio with a barbecue. The perfect place to wind down, enjoy a glass of wine, or the excellent local Cognac, and watch the sunsetting across the fields.

We are keen to provide you with your perfect holiday .

tell us what you think, ask any questions , no matter how trivial, we're here to help you!.

“I’d recommend this to any family wanting a toddler friendly holiday”

"Our little girl 2 and little boy 11 months had a fantastic time. There’s everything you need for little ones. They loved the pool, the huge play room and especially the trampoline".

“Most of the people we met were on their 2nd, 3rd or 4th visit – there’s no better recommendation than that!

"Spent 4 fantastic weeks at Bel Air gites this summer, so much so that we’ve already rebooked for 4 weeks next year. Trisha and Paul are very welcoming, easy going and hospitable and nothing is too much trouble. Here’s to next year! "